OKR Concerns

Why Should We Be Concerned About Ord's Kangaroo Rats?

Chase drawing

Becky and Brandon 's drawing of a kangaroo rat

The Ord’s Kangaroo Rat has become vulnerable for several reasons. First, ranchers use their land and farmers have plowed up their homes. Because they like to live only where the sand is loose with not much plant life, a change in the way the land is used or what plants are grown can force the kangaroo rats to try to find somewhere else to live. Second, in the past they have been trapped or poisoned. Third, very dry years may kill the seeds and plants they need to eat. Many starve during times of drought. Mother kangaroo rats also do not have as many babies in dry years. Fourth, there are oil or gas drillers working near their home who may run machines or lights at night. Then the kangaroo rat doesn’t come out because of this. Because they may not have time to find enough food to eat, they might die. Also if people build roads or trails near their habitats, the kangaroo rats’ burrows may be wrecked and the kangaroo rats might not come out of their burrows to look for food. Finally, as their habitats become smaller and they become forced to live in smaller areas, it is easier for predators to find and eat them.
Scientists think that in good years when there are lots of seeds after warm winters, the kangaroo rat population in Canada may be in the thousands. But in a year when there are few seeds after cold winters, the kangaroo rat population in Canada may drop to only a few hundred. According to Mr. David Gummer, who has studied these animals for a long time, the Ord’s Kangaroo Rat may eventually be moved to the threatened or endangered list in Canada.